Freeze Drying of Skin: In vitro Studies of Vitality

Abstract

“In vitro” studies of skin respiration were undertaken after conservation by different methods. Oxygen uptake was measured in Warburg chambers, and glucose consumption and lactate production were enzymatically determined. Skin taken from donor sites prepared with Cetavlon did not respire, whereas if donor sites were prepared with soap and water, the skin respired. The explanation probably depends on the cytotoxic action of Cetavlon. Skin metabolism in progressive tests after freeze drying, was always between one-seventh and one-tenth of normal, and continued at this level for more than 100 days. No difference could be demonstrated between living donor and cadaver donor skin. No Cryo-protective agents were used, but the metabolic enzymes recovered their function despite freezing of the skin immediately after removal in liquid nitrogen (-186°C).